What is the English translation of Battements Retirés?

What is the English translation of Battements Retirés?

• A. Withdrawn Beatings
• B. Balanced Beatings
• C. Small Beatings On The Ankle (Or The Neck Of The Foot)
• D. Large Circle Of The Leg Outward In The Air

Answer: (A)

The idea here is translating a French ballet term into English. Battement retiré literally means withdrawn battement. The position involves pulling the working leg up to a retiré position—drawn back and held close to the supporting leg—so the appropriate English wording describes the movement as a withdrawn battement. That’s why the translation that uses "withdrawn" best fits. The other options describe different movements or descriptions (a circle, a small beat at the ankle, etc.), which do not capture the idea of withdrawing the leg to the retiré position.

The idea here is translating a French ballet term into English. Battement retiré literally means withdrawn battement. The position involves pulling the working leg up to a retiré position—drawn back and held close to the supporting leg—so the appropriate English wording describes the movement as a withdrawn battement. That’s why the translation that uses "withdrawn" best fits. The other options describe different movements or descriptions (a circle, a small beat at the ankle, etc.), which do not capture the idea of withdrawing the leg to the retiré position.